From injury to evidence: Radiological evaluation of nasal bone fractures in medicolegal cases.

Abstract

Objective: To determine the characteristics in the demographic profile, the causes and radiological investigations used for diagnosis of nasal bone fractures of medicolegal cases. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Setting: Department of Radiology, Mayo Hospital, Lahore. Period: 1^st July, 2023 till 30^th June, 2025. Methods: All medicolegal cases of both genders and all ages with history of nasal fracture referred for radiological investigations are included in the study. Results: The study included 77 cases with nasal fractures. The age ranged from 15-60 years with mean age 35.84 ±11.59 years. The most affected group was 21-30 years (36.36%). Highest incidence of cases occurred in summer 42%. Most of the injuries 72 (94%) were sustained through physical violence. Conventional radiography was the investigation most commonly used to diagnose nasal fractures (81.81%). Conclusion: Nasal fractures are most common in males, in young age group. The most common cause is physical violence with higher prevalence in summer. Most of the cases are diagnosed on X-ray.